Letter: You get what you pay for

Asking voters to approve any increase in funds to any community asset is a challenge, particularly in these times. However, near-term shortsightedness can result in great long-term damage that ultimately costs each taxpayer much more.

The people of Sugar Grove voted to build a new library building but have consistently failed to vote the funds necessary to operate it beyond bare minimum standards. How minimal? It is to the point burned-out light bulbs cannot always be replaced. Your Sugar Grove Library collects less than half of what all other area libraries receive per household.

Your library is not asking very much of you. For each household, for the cost of a best-selling novel, your Sugar Grove Library can fully maintain the property, increase hours to come closer to matching every other library in the area, provide more vital programs to the community and increase the amount of items—books, computers, video, audio—that build and maintain the cultural resource.

Never mind that a library is crucial to a child’s development. Never mind that instead of paying for Netflix you can check-out new DVDs for free. Never mind the access to current books and magazines. Never mind the free computers; never mind the educational assets. If for no other reason, consider your real estate value. A fully supported and dynamic library reflects resident’s standards and immeasurably contributes to the bottom line of a community and how others perceive it.

Usage of the library has increased every year since it was built, without a corresponding increase in finances. The requested referendum will still be less than the libraries of Elburn, North Aurora, Batavia and Oswego receive, but will allow your library to function in a more acceptable manner.

I ask you to vote yes on March 8 to increase assessed evaluation for your Sugar Grove Public Library.